FIA GP3 - Vainio Fastest, Daly P3 In Free Practice At Hungary

Budapest, Jul. 27, 2012: Finland’s Aaro Vainio started his weekend
in the best possible style by topping the timesheets for practice with a
laptime of 1.37.396 which was nearly half a second faster than Antonio
Felix Da Costa and Conor Daly.

Following last weekend’s race weekend in Hockenheim, the GP3
Series circus moves swiftly to Budapest in Hungary for Round 6. The
Hungaroring area is known for its hot and humid climate and today was no
exception with the free practice getting underway in high temperatures of
30 degrees.

Ocean Racing Technology’s Robert Cregan and Carmen Jorda were
first out on the circuit which is famous for its twisty turns. In the first
ten minutes of the session, Kevin Ceccon was leading the way ahead of Alice
Powell. On his first lap, MW Arden’s Mitch Evans shot to P1 after 15
minutes had been completed with teammate Matias Laine and Lotus GP’s
Daniel Abt close in pursuit.

Carlin’s Felix Da Costa then went quickest with Vainio jumping to
P2. The Lotus GP driver became the first driver to break into the 1:37s
barrier and displace the Portuguese driver at the top of the standings by
nearly half a second. Status Grand Prix’s Marlon Stockinger was also
on the move into P4 to knock down Evans to P5 whilst Vainio further
enhanced his position at the top by improving on his best lap.

Vainio finished on top ahead of Felix Da Costa, Daly and Stockinger.
William Buller rose to P5 in the final minute of the session, ahead of
Evans, Abt, Tio Ellinas, Tamas Pal Kiss and Robert Visoiu. The Romanian
driver from Jenzer spun off at the final corner of practice which brought
out the yellow flags as many drivers were trying to set purple sectors to
move up the field.

The following titles and media identifications are trademarks
owned by The Auto Channel, LLC and have been in continuous use
since 1987: The Auto Channel, Auto Channel and TACH all have
been in continuous use world wide since 1987, in Print, TV,
Radio, Home Video, Newsletters, On-line, and other interactive
media; all rights are reserved and infringement will be acted
upon with force.